California is among the states most affected by the partial federal government shutdown, home to nearly 150,000 federal workers—the highest number outside Washington, D.C., according to the Congressional Research Service.

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D), representing much of Contra Costa County and part of Alameda County, described the situation as “surreal.” He said many federal employees in the Bay Area are stressed, uncertain how they will manage bills and mortgages while facing furloughs without pay.

With Congress deadlocked over the federal spending bill, there is no clear timeline for reopening the government. Democrats are pushing to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies, originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, to help millions of Americans maintain affordable health insurance. These tax credits are set to expire at the end of the year, and Democrats want the extension included in the pending appropriations legislation.

Some Republicans have expressed willingness to negotiate on the subsidies but insist such discussions should not delay the current spending bill. “This is not a great way to get a deal – it’s a great way to divide America,” said Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-South Dakota), emphasizing that negotiations could continue once the government is operational.

DeSaulnier criticized the lack of trust in negotiations. “How do you negotiate in good faith with somebody who hasn’t done it before and has caused such damage?” he said. He also warned that the standoff could last longer than the 30-day partial shutdown experienced during President Trump’s term.

“I’ll do everything I can to prevent that from happening,” DeSaulnier said. “There really isn’t a path forward until Republicans are willing to negotiate in good faith.”